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The red and blue strobe lights on South Burns Avenue Friday evening signaled a happy occasion.

It was Ann Miller’s 99th birthday, and police and firefighters joined in the surprise drive-by celebration, along with friends and family and fellow members of Broadway Baptist Church, where she is the second-oldest member.

She sat on her front porch and waved at the well-wishers who honked their horns and yelled “Happy birthday, Mrs. Miller!” as they passed by.

“I was so surprised and very grateful. This is the best birthday I’ve had yet,” she said, adding that she hopes next year’s is even better.

“She’s an awesome lady,” said Arlene Nance, who goes to church with her. “She was so happy.”

After the drive-by, Nance presented her gifts, including her favorite dessert, a homemade pecan pie. The next day, she got many phone calls from others.

Miller is the widow of Thomas “T.B.” Miller, and together they once owned a liquor store and a taxi service. She was portrayed by an actor last year in a play at the Leeds Center for the Arts.